Blackhawks Beat Lightning To Claim Stanley Cup

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in game six of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Photo: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy on Monday as the most valuable player during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Keith, the first defenceman to win the award since 2007, capped a dominant playoff run with the championship-winning goal in helping Chicago capture their third Stanley Cup in six years with a 4-2 series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The ice-time eating defenceman was a lock to win playoff MVP honours, and he became the first blue liner to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Scott Niedermayer of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and the fourth in the last two decades.

Keith, who averaged over 31 minutes a game in the playoffs, not only helped his team defensively, but in the offensive end, too. His three goals – all game-winners – and 21 points led all defensemen.

His 18 assists also was worth noting because only four defencemen in NHL history have collected more assists in one playoff year and none since Brian Leetch in 1994.

In addition to the Conn Smythe Trophy, Keith has now won three Stanley Cups with Chicago, two Olympic gold medals with Canada and two Norris Trophies as the NHL's top defenceman.